27. Buster

TWENTY-SEVEN

Buster

Friday, September 6

5:21 am

I wake early, my mind already shifting into surgeon mode as I prepare for the day ahead. After a quick shower, I head back to Cole's bedroom to say goodbye. The soft morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her sleeping form.

As I approach the edge of the bed, Cole stirs and opens her eyes. A sleepy smile spreads across her face when she sees me. I lean down to give her a quick peck, but she has other ideas.

Cole wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. "Oh no, you don't," she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep. "You're not leaving without giving me a proper good morning."

I chuckle, raising an eyebrow. "I have surgery in an hour, Cole."

She grins mischievously. "Then you better make this count. I need something to hold me over for the next few days while you're at the hospital."

Her fingers thread through my hair, and I feel myself melting into her touch. The urgency of the upcoming surgery fades into the background as I lose myself in her kiss. Cole's lips are soft and insistent against mine, igniting a fire that spreads through my entire body.

I pull back slightly, breathing heavily. "You're making it very hard to leave," I whisper, tracing the curve of her cheek with my thumb.

Cole's eyes sparkle with a mix of desire and playfulness. "That's the idea, Dr. Hankel."

She pulls me onto the bed, and I go willingly, all thoughts of time and responsibilities momentarily forgotten. Our bodies press together, familiar yet thrilling, as we savor these precious moments before reality intrudes once again.

I smile, intending to extricate myself and reassure her that I'll see her soon. But the look in her eyes is unmistakable—a mix of longing and urgency that mirrors mine. "Cole, I have to go," I protest half-heartedly, even as my body betrays me, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

She sits up, the sheet pooling at her waist, revealing the tempting swell of her breasts. "Then make it quick, Buster," she challenges, her eyes locked onto mine.

Who am I to resist such an offer? With a groan, I surrender to the magnetic pull between us, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Our tongues spar in a frantic rhythm, each stroke fueling the fire that burns within us.

In one swift motion, I pull her to the edge of the bed, my hands roaming over her curves with a desperation born of the knowledge that our time is fleeting. Cole's fingers fumble with the drawstring of my scrubs, pushing the fabric down just enough to free me.

I enter her with an urgency that leaves no room for hesitation. Cole's gasp of pleasure echoes in the quiet room, her legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me deeper. Our bodies move together, each thrust punctuated by our ragged breathing.

The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of us locked in a moment of pure, unadulterated passion. It's fast and fiery, a blaze that consumes us both. I can feel Cole's climax building, her inner muscles tightening around me as she teeters on the edge.

With a final, powerful surge, we tumble over the precipice together. Cole's cries of ecstasy mingle with my own as we ride the waves of our shared release. We are suspended in time for a moment, and the rest of the world is forgotten.

As our breathing slowly returns to normal, I rest my forehead against hers, our bodies still intimately connected. "I'll be back as soon as I can," I murmur, tenderly kissing her lips.

Cole smiles, her eyes soft with satisfaction. "I'll be waiting."

Reluctantly, I withdraw from her embrace, tucking myself back into my scrubs.

I give her one last lingering look before heading out the door, my mind already shifting gears to the challenges that await me at the hospital.

But no matter what the day brings, I know that Cole and our fiery passion will be there, waiting for me when I return.

UAB Hospital

12:09 pm

After surgery, I make my way down to Dr. Kim Nguyen's office, my mind buzzing with questions about the upcoming stem cell extraction.

The weight of what's to come settles heavily on my shoulders—not just as a doctor, but as a potential father and donor.

I knock on Kim's door, and she waves me in warmly. "Buster, come in. How'd the surgery go?"

"Smooth as silk," I reply, settling into the chair across from her desk. "But I'm here to talk about a different procedure."

Kim nods, her expression turning serious. "Of course. The stem cell extraction for Madeline."

I lean forward, clasping my hands together. "Walk me through it, Kim. What's the timeline? What do I need to do to prepare?"

She pulls out a file and opens it on her desk. "We'll start you on a five-day course of injections to stimulate your bone marrow to produce more stem cells. These shots will boost the number of stem cells in your bloodstream."

I nod, absorbing the information. "Any side effects I should be aware of?"

"You might experience some bone pain, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms," Kim explains. "Nothing too severe, but it's important to be prepared."

"Got it. And after the five days?"

Kim continues, "On the fifth day, we'll do a blood test to make sure you have enough stem cells circulating. If all looks good, we'll proceed with the collection on day six."

I take a deep breath, the reality of the situation sinking in. "And the collection process itself?"

"It's called apheresis," Kim says. "We'll insert an IV line into each of your arms. Blood will be drawn from one arm, passed through a machine that separates out the stem cells, and then returned to your body through the other arm."

"How long does that take?" I ask, mentally preparing myself for what's to come.

"The process usually takes about four to six hours," Kim replies. "You'll be awake the whole time, so bring a book or something to keep you occupied."

I nod, processing all the information. "And after that?"

Kim smiles reassuringly. "After that, you've done your part. We'll process the stem cells and prepare them for transplant into Madeline."

I lean back in my chair, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "Alright, Kim. When do we start?"

There has never been a moment of hesitation for me to do this. There was never a question once I found out I was a match. I've always wanted to help others, so being a one-in-a-million match to save this precious baby girl was a go before I even knew it. Now, I get to help the most important patient of my life.

Thursday, September 12

12:28 pm

I look up from my book as Cole enters the infusion room, her presence instantly brightening the sterile space. I can't help but grin as Cole steps into the room, her presence immediately lifting my spirits.

She's wearing a soft green sweater that highlights the blue in her eyes, making them sparkle like the crystal water of the Gulf. The sweater's stark contrast to the clinical white of the infusion room makes me appreciate the warmth she brings to this cold space.

The sweater looks cozy, and I have a fleeting urge to reach out, touch it, and feel its softness beneath my fingers. But I keep my hands to myself and am content to bask in her comforting presence.

"Hey there, handsome," she says, pulling up a chair next to me. "How're you holding up?"

I set my book aside and stretch my free arm. "It's been somewhat pleasant, actually. Just counting down the hours."

Cole reaches out and takes my hand, her touch warm and comforting. "You've been here since 8:30? That's a long time to be stuck in a chair."

"Honestly, it hasn't been bad. I've got at least another hour to go, and I'm about to finish my book. Good thing I've got some real entertainment now," I say with a wink.

She laughs, a sound that never fails to lift my spirits. "Oh, I'm just here for your amusement, am I?"

"Among other things," I tease, squeezing her hand.

We fall into easy conversation, discussing everything from the latest hospital gossip to our favorite movies.

"Oh, my God! I almost forgot to tell you," I exclaim.

I tell her about the call I got from the inspector a few days ago. Two men from the park, employees, were arrested for the death of the man who fell feet from both of us.

"You've got to be shitting me! I remember you saying it was suspect."

"I haven't heard a thing since I went in to answer questions right afterward until I got a call the other day that I might be called in as a witness."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I love a good murder mystery!"

"We've had a lot going on. Just a little," I indicate with my pointer and thumb. She slaps my hand down.

For the first time since that crazy mutual experience, we both break down how surreal that was. Weirdly, it was an instigating factor in the shift that brought us back together.

Maybe our reunion would have happened anyway, but it's so much more interesting to start it off there, if not more macabre.

Once we have toiled over the sparse details and how wild it was enough, we switch back to our current situation.

"You know," I say, "aside from having to take today off, this whole process hasn't been too bad. I've been a bit tired at night, but nothing major. Haven't even had to miss any work until now."

Cole raises an eyebrow. "I'm so grateful for that. I would have been a wreck if it had been too hard for you. I can't take two sickies."

I shrug. "Nothing worth mentioning. I guess I'm just lucky."

She leans in close, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Or maybe you're just tougher than the average doctor." Cole looks around and then naughtily puts her hand between my legs and rubs up, instantly causing my cock to twitch.

I can't help but laugh. "Oh, I'm definitely tougher than the average doctor. It's part of my charm. And, I'm apparently very sensitive to your touch."

Cole waggles her eyes, and I can see the affection in her gaze. "For your pleasure, Dr. Tough Guy."

Thursday, October 3

9:46 am

It's been three weeks since Maddie received my stem cells. The past few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster, but now, standing outside her hospital room, I finally feel a glimmer of hope.

I peek in and see her holding Mr. Snuggles to her chest. He hasn't left her side since Cole and I brought him to her. Besides her mom, he has pulled her through some scary, sometimes painful, days.

During the first week, while I was getting daily injections of filgrastim, Maddie endured a grueling round of chemotherapy. Watching her go through that was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. The chemo was tough on her petite body, but she faced it with a bravery that astounded me.

On the day of the transplant, I sat by her side as they infused her with my stem cells. It was surreal knowing that a part of me was now inside her, working to save her life. The doctors told us the first few weeks would be critical, and they weren't kidding. We held our breath, waiting to see if her body would accept the new cells.

Now, three weeks later, I step into her room and see Maddie sitting up in bed, a soft glow returning to her cheeks. She's still pale and frail, but the doctors say her new bone marrow is working. Her body hasn't rejected the transplant, and her blood counts are slowly improving.

Cole is beside her, a look of relief and happiness on her face. She's been a rock through all of this, even when I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. We've spent countless hours here, holding Maddie's hand, reading to her, and simply being there.

The thought that she is likely my daughter, a living person who was on this earth for four years and I missed that precious time, somehow feels vindicated by the simple act of giving her my stem cells. I am the one who could help her and, in a way, give her something to make up for what I wasn't able to do for her before.

"Hey there, brave girl," I say, smiling as I approach the bed. "You're looking better every day."

Maddie smiles weakly but genuinely. "Hi, Buster."

Cole looks up at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Dr. Nguyen just left. She said Maddie can go home in a few days if her counts keep improving."

I feel a lump in my throat, a mixture of relief and gratitude swelling inside me. "That's amazing news."

Maddie looks up at us, her big eyes filled with curiosity. "Does that mean I get to go back to my room? And see my friends?"

Cole brushes a strand of hair from Maddie's forehead. "Yes, sweetie. Soon, you'll be able to go home and start getting back to normal."

I glance around the room, taking in the sight of the machines monitoring Maddie so closely. The nurses have been incredible, always there with a reassuring word or a quick smile. But nothing compares to the thought of Maddie finally going home.

"We'll need to come back for regular check-ups," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "But going home is a huge step. You've been so strong, Maddie. We're all so proud of you."

Cole stands and wraps her arms around me, resting her head on my shoulder. "Thank you, Buster. For everything. We couldn't have done this without you."

I hug her back, feeling the weight of the past few weeks lift slightly. "We did this together. And Maddie's the real hero here."

As we all sit together, I can't help but feel awe at how far we've come. Maddie's road to recovery is still long, but seeing her smile and knowing she's on the path to healing makes every moment worth it.

We spend the rest of the afternoon talking and planning for the day we can take Maddie home. The fear isn't gone, but it's no longer overshadowing everything. There's hope now; with that hope, we can face whatever comes next.

Friday, October 4

11:52 am

I walk beside Cole as she pushes Maddie's wheelchair through the front door of their condo. My heart swells with a mix of emotions—relief, joy, and a touch of anxiety. We're not entirely out of the woods yet, but seeing Maddie's bright smile as we enter fills me with hope.

"Welcome home, princess!" I say, ruffling her hair gently.

The living room is adorned with colorful balloons and streamers. A huge banner stretches across the far wall, reading "Welcome Home Maddie!" in sparkly letters. Liesle and Anna rush forward, enveloping Maddie in careful hugs.

"Look what we did for you!" Anna exclaims, pointing proudly at the decorations.

Maddie's eyes light up. "It's so pretty! Thank you!"

I catch Cole's eye, and we share a moment of silent gratitude. The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster, but seeing Maddie's joy at being home makes it all worth it.

"Let's get you settled in your room," Cole says, wheeling Maddie down the hallway.

I follow, carrying the bags of medical supplies and medications we'll need for her ongoing care. Liesle has transformed Maddie's bedroom into a cozy sanctuary. Fresh flowers sit on the nightstand, and her favorite stuffed animals are arranged on the bed.

As we help Maddie get comfortable, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From that terrifying day in the ER to now, it's been a journey I never expected to take. But looking at Maddie, I know I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" I ask, sitting on the edge of her bed.

Maddie yawns. "I feel good. I'm happy to be home."

Cole brushes a strand of hair from Maddie's forehead. "Why don't you and Anna find a movie to watch?" Liesle bought her a TV and set it up in her room so she could continue to rest there. The two girls snuggle up in the bed as Liesle sets them up with Frozen .

Cole and I step out.

I turn to Cole, my heart full of admiration for her strength and resilience over these past weeks. "I'm going to head out and let you two get settled," I say softly. "You should catch up with Liesle, too. I know she's been dying to have some real sister time with you."

Cole nods, her eyes brimming with gratitude. I can see the exhaustion etched on her face, but there's a new lightness there, too. The relief of finally being home is palpable.

"Remember," I continue, "I'm just across the hall if you need anything. Day or night, it doesn't matter. Don't hesitate to call or come over, okay?"

She nods again, and I lean in to gently kiss her forehead. The scent of her shampoo, familiar and comforting, fills my senses.

"Cole," I say, my voice thick with emotion, "I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you. How you've handled all of this... you're an amazing mom. Maddie is so lucky to have you."

I see tears well up in her eyes, and she pulls me into a tight hug. For a moment, we stand there, holding each other. All the fear, hope, and love of the past weeks seems to flow between us.

As we pull apart, I give her hand a final squeeze. "Get some rest," I say. "I'll check in later."